tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75162202807303925822018-02-07T14:23:47.577-08:00Creativity in the MakingJacie Maslyknoreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-61539731114948945042018-01-28T12:05:00.001-08:002018-01-28T12:05:20.117-08:003 Word Design Challenges <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbfxHK8CFKo/Wm4nm3WzYjI/AAAAAAAAASo/5kyOe5IKOMQYoHp5zCs3RJ1c9o6yTlPnQCLcBGAs/s1600/threeword_header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="762" height="115" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbfxHK8CFKo/Wm4nm3WzYjI/AAAAAAAAASo/5kyOe5IKOMQYoHp5zCs3RJ1c9o6yTlPnQCLcBGAs/s320/threeword_header.png" width="320" /></a></div>Ignite maker learning in just 3 words.<br /><br />If you are like most teachers, you are always looking for ways to new engage your students.&nbsp; Active engagement leads to student learning.&nbsp; So, how can spark engagement in just 3 words?<br /><br />The inclusion of engineering design challenges is becoming a part of many classrooms.&nbsp; Those who embrace the Maker Mindset carefully craft hands-on tasks that will get learners thinking, collaborating, and creating. Developing effective prompts for design challenges can take time and imagination.&nbsp; I've boiled it down to some 3-word challenges that you can take, adapt, and use in your classroom tomorrow!<br /><br />Some are specific to engineering certain structures or adding components to an existing design.&nbsp; Other are more general and could be used for open-ended tasks of any kind.<br /><br /><ul><li><b>Hack a Toy</b></li><li><b>Build a Bridge</b></li><li><b>Drop an Egg</b></li><li><b>Create a Game</b></li><li><b>Re-purpose a Box</b></li><li><b>Can it Float?&nbsp;</b></li></ul><br /><br /><div>While these examples are pretty straight-forward, some prompts may require a little more explanation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team design challenges have become pretty popular for getting learner thinking critically and solving problems.&nbsp; These challenges can be done with students or adults with everyday materials.</div><ul><li><b>Two Concurrent Towers</b></li><ul><li>Give each team a bag of random materials.&nbsp; Something that can serve as a surface (Styrofoam cup, cardboard scrap), a structure (plastic fork, Popsicle stick) and a connector (pipe cleaners, straws)&nbsp; Given the materials provided, build two concurrent towers.&nbsp; You can create additional challenges within the challenge by informing teams that the towers can't use the same exact materials for each tower.&nbsp; Or at one point in the challenge, you could stop the groups and allow one member from each team to go and steal one item from another table, causing teams to rethink their plan.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><b>Ship a Chip</b></li><ul><li>As an alternative to the egg drop challenge, teams will need to carefully pack and ship one potato chip to another location with the goal of keeping the chip perfectly intact.&nbsp; Choose clean recyclable materials including bubble wrap, duct tape, tissue paper, plastic wrap, etc.&nbsp; If you need a partner school to ship you chip to--please contact me.&nbsp; We'd be happy to exchange in this challenge with you!</li></ul></ul><ul><li><b>Make it Move</b></li><ul><li>Again, using some general materials, challenge teams to create a vehicle that can roll across the floor.&nbsp; Possible materials include index cards, straws, paper clips, Lifesaver candy (or other wheel-like option).&nbsp; For those who need more explicit directions, check out <a href="https://www-tc.pbskids.org/fetch/games/activities/pdf/FETCH_BlowItAway.pdf">PBS Kids</a>&nbsp;.</li></ul></ul><div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fslPOK_TwI/Wm4m0mfDumI/AAAAAAAAASg/3ZUzGYpt8hA-uJTG5xLBWLc_pFsI5IGHgCLcBGAs/s1600/scribble-bot-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fslPOK_TwI/Wm4m0mfDumI/AAAAAAAAASg/3ZUzGYpt8hA-uJTG5xLBWLc_pFsI5IGHgCLcBGAs/s200/scribble-bot-5.jpg" width="175" /></a>If you are looking for a techy-themed challenge, try these 3-word challenges that require a few more materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><br /><ul><li><b>Create Wiggle Art</b></li><ul><li>Using a 3 volt motor, some AAA batteries and a battery pack with wires, teams can create a vibrating bot that, when markers are attached, can create some wiggle art.&nbsp; You'll also need a plastic cup or other plastic recyclables and some tape.&nbsp; Here's one version from <a href="http://lemonlimeadventures.com/scribble-bot/">Lemon Lime Adventures</a>.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><b>Shed Some Light</b></li><ul><li>Using the bot you created in the prior challenge, add a feature using LED lights.&nbsp; How can you get your bot to shed some light adding a coin cell battery and pack?&nbsp;</li></ul></ul><div>If you are more of a bookworm, there are design challenges for you and your students too.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><ul><li><b>A New Setting</b></li><ul><li>Reading a good book with your students?&nbsp; Have them consider how the story would be different if it was in a different setting?&nbsp; The wild, wild, west.&nbsp; Undersea.&nbsp; In a galaxy far, far away.&nbsp; In the jungle.&nbsp; Can your students write about it?&nbsp; SURE, but let's have them create it instead.&nbsp; Maker challenges can support creativity and collaboration while developing literacy skills, too!</li></ul></ul><ul><li><b>Design a Solution&nbsp;</b></li><ul><li>Every great story has a character with a problem that needs solved.&nbsp; Students can design a solution to help your favorite children's literature character.&nbsp; Clifford can't get to Emily Elizabeth fast enough, create a vehicle for him.&nbsp; Charlotte's Web is too sticky, design a new home for her.&nbsp; Ramona can't take another minute with Beezus, build her a secret clubhouse.&nbsp; The possibilities for story connections are endless!&nbsp; Check out my website <a href="http://www.steam-makers.com/">STEAM Makers</a> for more great ideas.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></ul><div>I'm sure there are tons of other 3-word challenges out there.&nbsp; Please share yours!&nbsp;</div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-52138467991524951852018-01-07T11:48:00.004-08:002018-01-07T11:52:25.357-08:00No More Sitting in Auditoriums: 3 Ideas for Remaking Professional LearningRaise your hand if you are tired of sitting in auditoriums listening to someone lecture for your school district in-service.&nbsp; OK, now that everyone's hand is up, ask yourself--why, in 2018, is this still happening?&nbsp; With all that we know about engaging learners (students and teachers) why aren't we infusing more meaningful work into our professional learning?<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dwX7ehwkho/Wkvkn5fqiZI/AAAAAAAAAN4/r0R1xBP5M4QIXJYdBQp177Kh5TVverEcQCLcBGAs/s1600/remake%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dwX7ehwkho/Wkvkn5fqiZI/AAAAAAAAAN4/r0R1xBP5M4QIXJYdBQp177Kh5TVverEcQCLcBGAs/s200/remake%2B12.jpg" width="200" /></a>Not to worry--there are lots of leaders out there who are hacking the traditional professional development model in favor of hands-on learning opportunities that are collaborative and fun!&nbsp; As I think about planning for some upcoming PD days in the new year I remember what it was like to sit in those auditorium seats as a teacher. I think about how easy it was to disengage, catch up on some reading, or play on my phone. We've all been there.&nbsp; Instead of draining our educators, let's take advantage of our time together and re-energize our teams during this cold and dreary time of year.<br /><br />These three ideas might be the shift you need to plan professional learning that fuels your team.<br /><br /><b>Make it Hands-On</b><br />Over the course of the last year, our district has provided opportunities for teachers to learn skills in Maker Education that can be used to enhance instruction in their classrooms.&nbsp; Through our work with the <a href="https://twitter.com/BeaverCountyILC">Beaver County Innovation &amp; Learning Consortium</a>&nbsp;we have shared professional learning with two other area school districts.&nbsp; Our teams spent time learning about creating LED Wearables, using Virtual Reality in the classroom, and programming with robots through <a href="https://www.birdbraintechnologies.com/">Bird Brain Technology</a>&nbsp;. Hands-on learning engages teachers and creates practical applications to new learning.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Bring Teams Together</b><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvUd8QLcoXU/Wkvk0wyjOSI/AAAAAAAAAN8/pO8Ik1igyW0sQS7RDPTT1P4S7A7be0R5QCLcBGAs/s1600/newspaper%2Bbuilding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvUd8QLcoXU/Wkvk0wyjOSI/AAAAAAAAAN8/pO8Ik1igyW0sQS7RDPTT1P4S7A7be0R5QCLcBGAs/s200/newspaper%2Bbuilding.jpg" width="150" /></a>Try a team design challenge.&nbsp; With all that schools districts are doing to promote critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity with our students, we can't forget about developing this within our teachers.&nbsp; Going out of your comfort zones may be easier with friends and colleagues to support you.&nbsp; So build those spaghetti towers and tin foil boats! Work as a team to solve problems and learn together.<br /><br /><b>Connect it to Curriculum</b><br />Last spring, we opened our first elementary makerspace.&nbsp; YAY!&nbsp; In order to build capacity within our teachers, we offered workshops over the summer where teachers could come into the space and learn a new skill.&nbsp; While the skills in isolation were valuable, we also took time to connect this new learning to children's literature.&nbsp; Elementary teachers learned how to solder and weave.&nbsp; They became cardboard connoisseurs.&nbsp; Some collaborated on maker activities that connected to the <a href="https://theglobalreadaloud.com/">Global Read Aloud</a>.&nbsp; Others considered how their makerspace learning would enhance a story in their reading series or their favorite children's book.&nbsp; They explored ways that this hands-on learning fit into the existing curriculum.<br /><br />So, whether you shake things up with a rock, paper, scissors tournament or a scavenger hunt, let's get our teams active and engaged during in-service.&nbsp; And while we are at it---can we call in-service something else? (I've never been a fan of that term.)<br /><br />Consider how you might build camaraderie and bring teams together for some fun in the new year.&nbsp; Be sure that the professional learning aligns with the curriculum so that teachers can see exactly where the new learning fits in and equip them with some new skills to revitalize their lessons.<br /><br />No more sitting and listening to lectures.&nbsp; Let's flip the traditional model of in-service (blah) training and remake our professional learning!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mA4mxN0gd00/WlJ4oEUGltI/AAAAAAAAAOU/8lEfrWOyxU05d5J1h5qDZqovyFT13bmgQCLcBGAs/s1600/light-bulb-1458612887G8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1380" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mA4mxN0gd00/WlJ4oEUGltI/AAAAAAAAAOU/8lEfrWOyxU05d5J1h5qDZqovyFT13bmgQCLcBGAs/s200/light-bulb-1458612887G8a.jpg" width="172" /></a></div><br />Need help with planning some upcoming professional learning?&nbsp; Is your team looking to engage teachers in hands-on workshops that build creativity and collaboration?&nbsp; Check out my workshops at <a href="http://www.steam-makers.com/workshops.html">www.steam-makers.com&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; I'm booking now for summer workshops and keynotes.<br /><br /><br />Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-5089318335057376082018-01-01T08:31:00.000-08:002018-01-01T08:31:00.407-08:00#oneword2018OK, so it killed the cat--but curiosity is where great ideas start!<br /><br />New ideas fuel me.&nbsp; I get excited to share ideas and talk with other educators about what fuels them.<br /><br />Sometimes its contagious the way ideas can flow when you surround yourself with curious, innovative people.&nbsp; So, I've decided that my #oneword for 2018 is CURIOSITY.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkCEE98D610/WkkrU4jPgmI/AAAAAAAAANg/Q0KUWY4_Tkw1jNEPPqZMRMaOsaDY8ZIeACLcBGAs/s1600/curiosity-quote-in-a-vintage-design_23-2147583756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="626" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkCEE98D610/WkkrU4jPgmI/AAAAAAAAANg/Q0KUWY4_Tkw1jNEPPqZMRMaOsaDY8ZIeACLcBGAs/s200/curiosity-quote-in-a-vintage-design_23-2147583756.jpg" width="200" /></a>In my role as a school district leader, I hope to cultivate curiosity within the schools that I work in--with our teachers, our leaders, and most definitely with our students.&nbsp;<br /><br />I wonder:&nbsp; How might I support passions and new learning?&nbsp; How might I share new opportunities for growth with teachers?&nbsp; How might I provide resources for innovative projects for students?<br /><br />I will say YES to ideas that empower teachers and learners.&nbsp; I will work to push my own thinking and the thinking of others.&nbsp;<br /><br />I hope to cultivate curiosity in myself.&nbsp; I want to take the time to pursue the things I'm curious about (and not feel guilty about it).&nbsp; I want to read more, travel more.&nbsp; I want to spend time talking with people who I can learn from and grow with.&nbsp; If there is something I was to learn more about--I'm gonna do it!<br /><br />I hope to cultivate curiosity within my own children.&nbsp; Active boys, almost 4 and 6 years old, my kids are interested in <b>everything</b>.&nbsp; They love reading books, building with cardboard, trying out "science experiments", and have already learned some basics of coding.&nbsp; (You think their mom is into STEAM maybe?? 😊)&nbsp; My hope is that they never lose that spark!&nbsp; I hope that new ideas are ignited from their wonderings and that they stay ever-curious.<br /><br />As I move into this new year.&nbsp; I will pursue the spark of new ideas.&nbsp; I will chase my curiosities and encourage you to do the same.<br /><br />Happy New Year!&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-80439448276764718292017-12-29T11:47:00.001-08:002017-12-29T13:35:31.768-08:00It's All About Relationships<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGXhrPMrnJA/WkZschpeDHI/AAAAAAAAAMw/ZXAAT4WBIMIeRMcSnIqsLG35Vh4gBO2rgCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1600" height="161" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGXhrPMrnJA/WkZschpeDHI/AAAAAAAAAMw/ZXAAT4WBIMIeRMcSnIqsLG35Vh4gBO2rgCLcBGAs/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a>As I reflect on 2017, I think about all of&nbsp; the people who have I have connected with this year.&nbsp; Whether meeting an "Edu Hero" or a long awaited face-to-face conversation with a Twitter friend, I am lifted up by the connections that I have with inspiring and supportive people.&nbsp; Face-to-face conversations with friends and colleagues or long-distance email exchanges, it really is all about the relationships.<br /><br />This summer, I attended the International Literacy Association Annual Conference in Orlando.&nbsp; What a jam-packed agenda!&nbsp; The biggest names in reading were there--truly amazing to listen to so many experts (Fletcher, Richardson, Ripp).&nbsp; What was even better was meeting some of my Twitter friends in person.&nbsp; Sean Farnum&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MagicPantsJones">@magicpantsjones</a> and Jennifer Williams&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JenWilliamsEdu">@JenWilliamsEDU</a> were even more friendly and motivating than I could've imagined.&nbsp; With a big hug from each, it reinforced the importance of a digital #PLN.<br /><br />This fall I had the pleasure of being a part of a mentoring project with a fellow Compelled Tribe member, Jodie Pierpoint <a href="https://dreambigmentorship.com/aspiring-leaders/">https://dreambigmentorship.com/aspiring-leaders/</a>.&nbsp; Talk about a go-getter!&nbsp; She has orchestrated a phenomenal match up of aspiring administrators and experienced school leaders.&nbsp; With Twitter chats and webinars, she is facilitating some amazing work.&nbsp; I am happy to serve as a mentor working with a talented up-and-coming school leader.<br /><br />With mentoring in mind, I am thankful for the ongoing support I have received from from an accomplished author who reached out to me several years ago after I reviewed one of her books.&nbsp; Since then, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Educators-Guide-Writing-Book-Practical-ebook/dp/B0151O79VC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1514566723&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=cathie+west">Cathie West</a> and I have corresponded via email about the ups and downs of being a writer.&nbsp; Though we have never met, her always positive outlook and encouraging words keep me pursuing my love of writing.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZM5vpIn3is/WkaY8dGu2lI/AAAAAAAAANI/EV10Z4WAXHUa_E7M5Ka079hVtGFqDrL7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZM5vpIn3is/WkaY8dGu2lI/AAAAAAAAANI/EV10Z4WAXHUa_E7M5Ka079hVtGFqDrL7gCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_1221.JPG" width="150" /></a>Earlier this month, I attended a state conference.&nbsp; I love presenting at conferences, as I get the opportunity to talk with others about my passion for STEAM and Maker Education.&nbsp; But with a conference theme of innovative practices, I was grateful to meet some truly remarkable innovators in our field.&nbsp; Randy Ziegenfuss <a href="https://twitter.com/ziegeran">@ziegeran</a>&nbsp;and Lynn Fuini-Hetten <a href="https://twitter.com/lfuinihetten">@lfuinihetten</a>&nbsp;shared the awesome work in their school district.&nbsp; After participating in their <a href="http://www.tltalkradio.org/season-4-episode-2-steam-makers-with-dr-jacie-maslyk-podcast/">podcast</a> earlier this year, it was great to meet in person.&nbsp; A session on innovative PD with Rich Czyz <a href="https://twitter.com/RACzyz">@RACzyz</a>&nbsp;was a must-see.&nbsp; High energy and great ideas, meeting Rich was a a highlight of the conference.&nbsp; I couldn't possibly forget the show-stopper of the conference George Couros&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/gcouros">@gcouros</a> .&nbsp;&nbsp;He was incredible!&nbsp; Honest, inspiring, funny, and encouraging.&nbsp; It was so great to meet him, after following his work for so many years.<br /><br />At the conference, I was joined by a team from our district, as well as other educators in our county.&nbsp; The time spent at the conference strengthened our relationships and allowed us to build new friendships.&nbsp; Over the course of several days, we talked, learned, and laughed together, which is after all a foundation for a great relationship.<br /><br />Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-45541641575134302572017-12-24T09:35:00.001-08:002017-12-24T09:36:03.446-08:00Your Best Self: The Power of a Learning Network<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiGJzkH755Q/WjqzfIJZuHI/AAAAAAAAAMY/L7e10yMB_hQQbfzA-jti0r-PE3xfDTJLACLcBGAs/s1600/YBS1-803x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="803" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiGJzkH755Q/WjqzfIJZuHI/AAAAAAAAAMY/L7e10yMB_hQQbfzA-jti0r-PE3xfDTJLACLcBGAs/s200/YBS1-803x1024.jpg" width="156" /></a>This week I had lunch with a group of teachers from 3 neighboring school districts.&nbsp; The group is a part of a consortium of educators working in our county to support creativity and innovation in our classrooms.&nbsp; We had just finished a classroom visit where an eclectic team of teachers planned a lesson together and one implemented it while the co-creators observed.&nbsp; (Think “lesson study”, but a hacked version that better met the needs of our team.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The team reflected on the lesson, highlighting the evidence of learning from the students who were engaged in a variety of tasks, all centered on the holidays.&nbsp; The students collaborated, used technology to research, and discussed their learning.&nbsp; They persevered through some challenges which resulted in the creation of a cool hands-on project.&nbsp; Some students succeeded quickly, where others failed and tried again.&nbsp; Some worked cooperatively, while other worked alone.&nbsp; Students had voice and choice in where they sat and who they worked with.&nbsp; It was a very positive visit for all involved, but it was the reflection from the teachers that made it all worth it. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over lunch, the team described the way that they worked together as educators.&nbsp; (This hacked lesson study was a part of a 2 month project with multiple classroom visits.)&nbsp; They shared how they had texted each other last night with a new twist on the lesson.&nbsp; They talked about their plans for what they wanted to do next.&nbsp; They wondered about the possibilities of a classroom swap.&nbsp; Their enthusiasm was truly infectious!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Keep in mind, these aren’t teachers who knew each other well or were friends outside of this project.&nbsp; These are teachers from three very different school districts, all teaching completely different subjects and grade levels—elementary, middle school social studies, high school English, and high school biology. &nbsp;They were assigned to a group to participate in this professional learning endeavor through our consortium, but somehow have come together to become an innovative thinking powerhouse.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The team gushed about the energy they felt during the morning’s lesson.&nbsp; They marveled over the skills and empowerment that the students demonstrated during the lesson.&nbsp; They begged (pretty much) to continue working together because they loved the opportunity to visit each other’s classrooms and share insights on how to improve their instruction.&nbsp; They confessed that they wouldn’t want to work on any other team—that their placement on this team felt so right.&nbsp; They asked to take on a leadership role within our consortium and were overjoyed at the thought of being able to mentor new teachers coming into the project in the New Year.&nbsp; They continued to brainstorm ideas and talk about things they wanted to pursue together.&nbsp; Professional learning is their passion.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As their colleague and “coach”, I am amazed at their drive to become better educators.&nbsp; I am ecstatic about the possibilities for these teachers to be leaders and learners, but I think one teacher summed it up best when she said:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“When I’m with this team, I’m my best self!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And that my friends, is the power of a professional learning network.&nbsp; As you reflect on 2017 and consider what you will accomplish in 2018, I hope that you surround yourself with a team that helps you to become your best self.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-56227895695987701072017-12-19T06:40:00.000-08:002017-12-19T06:40:33.354-08:003 Last Minute Gift Ideas for Every Maker<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKNe7uP7tvs/Wjf-g9IT1AI/AAAAAAAAALU/b7EIi7RIcXIrLw6idWSIvkjsNu7fGeRnACLcBGAs/s1600/last-minute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="290" height="121" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKNe7uP7tvs/Wjf-g9IT1AI/AAAAAAAAALU/b7EIi7RIcXIrLw6idWSIvkjsNu7fGeRnACLcBGAs/s200/last-minute.jpg" width="200" /></a>The countdown is on!&nbsp; Holiday shoppers are beginning to panic!&nbsp; What last minute gifts are still on your list?&nbsp; Here are 3 easy, last minute gifts for every young maker.<br /><br /><b><u>1.&nbsp; Create Your Own Maker Kit</u></b><br /><br />Head to the local dollar store.&nbsp; Spend less than $20 and create a maker kit that every maker with love.<br /><ul><li>craft sticks</li><li>pipe cleaners</li><li>balloons</li><li>plastic cups</li><li>straws</li><li>marshmallows</li><li>tape</li><li>glue sticks</li><li>rubber bands</li><li>construction paper</li><li>scissors</li><li>playing cards</li><li>foam shapes/sheets</li><li>colored pencils</li><li>aluminum foil</li><li>play-doh</li><li>notebook</li><li>and basket or bin to hold all the stuff !</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><b><u>2.&nbsp; Children's Books</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>There are so many great children's books that support creativity and the maker mindset. These are perfect for teachers, parents, and kids!&nbsp; Check out my website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.steam-makers.com/">www.steam-makers.com</a>&nbsp;for a full list of books that support STEAM Maker learning K-12, but here are a few amazing ones:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gITNMFKrdnk/WjgBOZjmMiI/AAAAAAAAALg/9qVdTQnAPKEpXLtkwHmsiRZqvEhq6sPnACLcBGAs/s1600/61V9vqYG81L._SY479_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="500" height="191" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gITNMFKrdnk/WjgBOZjmMiI/AAAAAAAAALg/9qVdTQnAPKEpXLtkwHmsiRZqvEhq6sPnACLcBGAs/s200/61V9vqYG81L._SY479_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cardboard-Box-Book-Princess-Castles/dp/0312517386/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1513619724&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=cardboard+book">https://www.amazon.com/Cardboard-Box-Book-Princess-Castles/dp/0312517386/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1513619724&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=cardboard+book</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHe2WJBos9U/WjgB9AGcwQI/AAAAAAAAALo/VNYXJBWpBVcomb7CsOvSLBcFWZehHxPiQCLcBGAs/s1600/61g5-f1fueL._SY498_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHe2WJBos9U/WjgB9AGcwQI/AAAAAAAAALo/VNYXJBWpBVcomb7CsOvSLBcFWZehHxPiQCLcBGAs/s200/61g5-f1fueL._SY498_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Built-House-Chris-Van-Dusen/dp/0803737513/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1513619866&amp;sr=1-11&amp;keywords=iggy+peck">https://www.amazon.com/Built-House-Chris-Van-Dusen/dp/0803737513/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1513619866&amp;sr=1-11&amp;keywords=iggy+peck</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wg8pyOQiQzs/WjgDeGhGtKI/AAAAAAAAAL0/KDGqJHRF_A0J5dX21dxD6_IRATw6ApAbgCLcBGAs/s1600/51KN6QvzCbL._SX390_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="392" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wg8pyOQiQzs/WjgDeGhGtKI/AAAAAAAAAL0/KDGqJHRF_A0J5dX21dxD6_IRATw6ApAbgCLcBGAs/s200/51KN6QvzCbL._SX390_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Whoosh-Lonnie-Johnsons-Super-Soaking-Inventions/dp/1580892973">https://www.amazon.com/Whoosh-Lonnie-Johnsons-Super-Soaking-Inventions/dp/1580892973</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3.&nbsp; Duct Tape!<br /><br />Sometimes a cardboard box is better than the present inside.&nbsp; The box is the gift--the gift of creativity.&nbsp; So, buy some duct tape and grab some of those Amazon boxes you tossed into the garage.&nbsp; Build a race car or a rocket ship or a secret hideout--the possibilities are endless!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ys7tS7japs/WjgEybyWSQI/AAAAAAAAAMA/bu5U2ZLSFhsNivcf4JYz9beF-vVLvJvgwCLcBGAs/s1600/cta1-161208-58346346c6d1d-161221-585aa535e4519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ys7tS7japs/WjgEybyWSQI/AAAAAAAAAMA/bu5U2ZLSFhsNivcf4JYz9beF-vVLvJvgwCLcBGAs/s200/cta1-161208-58346346c6d1d-161221-585aa535e4519.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Happy Making One and All!<br /><br />Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-57402598780569992672017-12-18T09:43:00.000-08:002017-12-18T09:43:05.724-08:00Thanks for the PUSH ! <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni7a-SoeLPQ/WhshboAKWdI/AAAAAAAAAKg/cV7y9aQ7j44e1_q0h7O1O8tvhjt0UCehwCLcBGAs/s1600/x9m_keep_pushing__quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni7a-SoeLPQ/WhshboAKWdI/AAAAAAAAAKg/cV7y9aQ7j44e1_q0h7O1O8tvhjt0UCehwCLcBGAs/s1600/x9m_keep_pushing__quote.jpg" /></a>As a part of the Compelled Tribe, I am not always the best at keeping up with our goal to blog every month.&nbsp; OK, I'm pretty bad at that part, but I love reading the blogs of my colleagues from all over the US.&nbsp; I appreciate our Voxer group and reflect on those conversations often.&nbsp; It is the support from this group and others in my life for which I am grateful.&nbsp; They provide the push I often need, even if they don't know it.<br /><br />The push comes from&nbsp; colleagues, friends, and family members, too.&nbsp; It's the encouragement I often need to keep moving forward that think about my next step, personally and professionally which comes in the form of an encouraging word, an friendly text, or a call-out that holds me accountable.<br /><br />Accountable towards our work, our vision as a school district, and my pursuit of innovation as an educator and learner.<br /><br />Its even more interesting when push or a nudge comes from a stranger--well not really a stranger but someone who you've never really met.&nbsp; If you've ever been lucky enough to hear <a href="https://twitter.com/gcouros">George Couros</a> speak, then you know he can challenge your thoughts and cause you re-imagine your practices.&nbsp; He nudges people within his talks--well OK sometimes he downright shoves you!&nbsp; But in a good way.&nbsp; In a way that makes you momentarily second guess your stance on things and potentially question your practices.<br /><br />At a recent conference he blatantly tells a group of school and district leaders--if you didn't bring a device to this session, you are making yourself irrelevant!&nbsp; He goes on to push the audience further and explains that social media is an necessary tool in the world we live in.&nbsp; Within a few minutes, a superintendent in the audience who vowed never to join Twitter did just that.&nbsp; She was pushed out of her comfort zone to try something that she didn't consider doing before.&nbsp; That was a risk for her but one that will surely pay off in the open communication that she will create in her district and within her personal learning network.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGWzegXv6Vk/WiWdJjYkZRI/AAAAAAAAAK4/tUUjGRJXbxMTHBSd3_THnkfp53aqInXAgCLcBGAs/s1600/social-media-water.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="511" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGWzegXv6Vk/WiWdJjYkZRI/AAAAAAAAAK4/tUUjGRJXbxMTHBSd3_THnkfp53aqInXAgCLcBGAs/s320/social-media-water.png" width="320" /></a>While this superintendent shared this news with the group she had a huge smile on her face, but you could see that she was still nervous about taking this leap.&nbsp; The reality is, we need to use social media in education to connect with others, build relationships, and share our stories.&nbsp; As school leaders, we need to model social media use for our teachers and students.&nbsp; George shared insight from a student he worked with who said, "Social media is like water.&nbsp; You can either let us drown or teach us to swim."<br /><br />The superintendent in that session is now taking on this responsibility to teach the students and teachers in her district the power of leveraging social media.&nbsp; It was the push from a stranger that propelled her forward.&nbsp; It is that same push that often drives me to <u>P</u>ersist <u>U</u>ntil <u>S</u>omething <u>H</u>appens.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><br />Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-75333199040102697422017-11-26T11:45:00.000-08:002017-11-26T11:46:46.789-08:00Create Your Own Lane<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPQ3M98Kjbg/WhcmP-5iTnI/AAAAAAAAAKI/MxLQ9wy8fMow8jsMQsN1UcevRD9oJtJJACLcBGAs/s1600/DPIW7OdWAAAc0Np.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1150" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPQ3M98Kjbg/WhcmP-5iTnI/AAAAAAAAAKI/MxLQ9wy8fMow8jsMQsN1UcevRD9oJtJJACLcBGAs/s200/DPIW7OdWAAAc0Np.jpg" width="198" /></a>Earlier this week, a Twitter friend of mine (Thanks&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kerszi">@kerszi</a>&nbsp;!) posted this Quote of the Day.&nbsp; I'm on Twitter every day and see lots of quotes, quirky sayings, and cool images, but this one has stuck with me all week.&nbsp; There are 3 things that really made this resonate with me.<br /><br />1.&nbsp; I laughed at the term "<b>boss up</b>" but I loved that choice of words!&nbsp; You know, like a boss, take control and do it.&nbsp; I felt like that was a good motivator, a way to call others to action.&nbsp; Sometimes you have to just step up and make a decision.&nbsp; Take a risk.&nbsp; Make that leap.&nbsp; Just do it.&nbsp; Like a boss.<br /><br />2. Sometimes in education we have to create a new path where one&nbsp; never existed.&nbsp; <b>Create your own lane</b>.&nbsp; That's what innovators do, whether in the classroom or as a school leader we have to forge ahead through new territory and design our own lane because we know it's what's best for kids.<br /><br />This reminded me of those old "create your own adventure" books.&nbsp; You remember these?&nbsp; You get to a certain juncture in the story and you either choose between page 47 and page 86.&nbsp; &nbsp;I used to love these books when I was little, but sometimes you need more than the two options provided.&nbsp; That's when you have to create your own lane--jump off-road and take the path less traveled.<br /><br />Innovators are often lonely on those <span style="background-color: white;">single-lane highways, but usually the journey and the destination are well worth it.</span><br /><br />3.&nbsp; The last part that really had an impact was the phrase"<b>had no choice</b>".&nbsp; Truly, there was a choice, wasn't there?&nbsp; It is a choice to stay on the same path and keep moving along at the same pace as everyone else.&nbsp; But for innovators, that's just not an option.&nbsp; That lane is full of other cars doing to same old thing.&nbsp; Innovators are pushed to the point that they have no other choice that to break away and create a new lane--that's when the magic happens.<br /><br />Are you ready to "boss up"?&nbsp; In what ways are you creating your own lane?&nbsp; Share your comments!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-29981625316821713642017-11-16T05:22:00.002-08:002017-11-16T05:22:19.302-08:0010 New STEAM Makers You Should Know Over a year ago I wrote a post about the 25 STEAM Maker educators that you should follow on Twitter. Since then both STEAM (STEM, STREAM, whatever you call it) and Maker Education are heating up and more and more educators are getting involved in this exciting pathway to learning.<br /><br />This list of educators represents those with <u>less than 1000 followers </u>on Twitter, who are doing AMAZING things in their schools.&nbsp; Please check them out!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSuCJ6F0pcM/WgYKMGtUhBI/AAAAAAAAAJw/4Q0OWGDcrikaIBcOGKiWgPzaVonMO1P_ACLcBGAs/s1600/steam%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="584" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSuCJ6F0pcM/WgYKMGtUhBI/AAAAAAAAAJw/4Q0OWGDcrikaIBcOGKiWgPzaVonMO1P_ACLcBGAs/s200/steam%2Bpic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />1. Tori Cameron&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/STEAMuptheClsrm">@STEAMuptheclsrm</a><br />Check out Tori's podcast STEAM Up the Classroom.&nbsp; She connects with STEAM Maker educators who are taking risks and pushing innovation.&nbsp; She promotes all things STEM, STEAM, Maker and Makerspaces.<br /><br />&nbsp;2. Ed Bringas&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/annoyingDrones">@annoyingDrones</a><br />A STEAM Maker Specialist--gotta love that title!&nbsp; Ed posts relevant articles and examples of amazing student work.&nbsp;<br /><br />3.&nbsp; Chris Cook&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/FlintHillMakers">@FlintHillMakers&nbsp;</a><br />Coding, 3D printing, robotics, sewing--Chris posts all kinds of student projects.&nbsp; Where was this middle school maker teacher when I was in school ???<br /><br />4. Kristen Nan&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nankr1120">@nankr1120&nbsp;</a><br />Kristen is a third grade teacher who is overflowing with passion for teaching and learning.&nbsp; Her students are leaders in the classroom, as Kristen facilitates project-based learning in her school's makerspace. You must check out the learning happening in this classroom!<br /><br />5. Bethany Jones&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/bethany_jones4">@bethany_jones4</a><br />This middle school engineering design teacher truly embraces the 4Cs.&nbsp; The creative projects from her class are awesome and her Makey-Makey projects are off the charts!!!!<br /><br />6. Maureen Frew&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/FrewsCrews">@FrewsCrew</a><br />Maureen is a teacher on special assignment with a mission for making.&nbsp; The hands-on making that she does with the youngest of learners is just amazing.<br /><br />7. Penny Rayhill&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PennyRayhill">@PennyRayhill</a><br />Penny is a tech coach and maker from West Virginia.&nbsp; She works with students and teachers to incorporate digital making and tech in creative ways.&nbsp; Check out what she is doing with Quiver!<br /><br />8. David Lostetter <a href="https://twitter.com/MrLostetter">@MrLostetter</a><br />This technology/STEM teacher does some pretty cool stuff in his elementary makerspace.&nbsp; His student projects definitely have the WOW factor!<br /><br />9. Mandi Figlioli&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/mrsfigmakes">@mrsfigmakes</a><br />As a curriculum specialist, Mandi sees both the classroom side and the leadership side of making.&nbsp; She is passionate about hands-on learning and posts great ideas for other makers.<br /><br />10. Mr. Russo&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RussosRoom">@RussosRoom</a><br />This NY teacher's profile says it all:<br /><span style="background-color: #e6ecf0; color: #14171a; font-family: &quot;segoe ui&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">STEM isn’t about showing your students how to do something, but empowering them with the right tools to create and discover it on their own.</span><br /><br /><br />Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but simply some great educators to connect with around everything STEM, STEAM, and Making.&nbsp; Who else would you add?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-9656016549443208112017-11-10T11:31:00.002-08:002017-11-10T11:32:52.546-08:004 Types of Educators You May Know<div style="border-image: none;"><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><br /><br /><br 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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>There are many&nbsp;analogies that can be made about educators, but one that I've heard recently stuck with me.&nbsp; I've been in school leadership for the last 14 years and have worked with lots of teachers.&nbsp; They range from passionate go-getters, to competent, compliant educators to those who are simply stuck.&nbsp; Consider the attitudes, motivation, and actions of the teachers that you know. I bet they will fall into one of these categories.&nbsp; It is important to recognize that all of these people are a part of your organization.&nbsp; The key is to figure out how to connect with each and move on a successful path for your school or district.</div><div align="left">﻿</div><b>Speed boats</b><br /><div style="border-image: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR6xHYt6eHDtf456ka8A2KnZaNSUlzxlYbF0y8qi2xAh2go3IMx" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for speedboat" border="0" height="128" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR6xHYt6eHDtf456ka8A2KnZaNSUlzxlYbF0y8qi2xAh2go3IMx" width="320" /></a></div>These are the teachers who are always one step ahead, zipping through the waters with ease and often leaving others in their wake. &nbsp;They don't mean to leave others behind, but they are interested in trends in education and pride themselves on being connected educators "in the know". &nbsp;When presented with a new initiative they go full speed ahead. &nbsp;If you want to grab on, they are willing to show you the way, but you better be ready to move forward. &nbsp;As an administrator, these are the teachers I love! &nbsp;They are curious, creative, and forward-thinking. &nbsp;They want to try new approaches and new technologies because they are excited about what it could provide to their students. &nbsp;The speedboats don't get bogged down in<span style="background-color: white;"> rules and regulations, once they know better, <a href="https://kristennan.com/2017/10/28/immooc-week-5-when-you-know-better-you-do-better/">they want to do better</a>.&nbsp; (Thanks,&nbsp;<complete id="goog_41068815">@nankr1120 !)&nbsp;</complete></span></div><br /><b>Tugboats</b><br />The tug boats are consistently strong classroom teachers--they can hold their own in the water, chug-chugging along. Progress may be at a slower pace than the speedboats, but they are moving.&nbsp; Sometimes, they connect with a speedboat and they are off making waves, too.&nbsp; These teachers need our encouragement.&nbsp; They need to know we are with them on this voyage and together, we will exceed our goals.<br /><br /><b>Barges</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX9Vz1mII4Y/WfTUG9nRoCI/AAAAAAAAAIw/_ArmqbWlhzQ2M-i4_44XqnzgSxTOZoOUACLcBGAs/s1600/220px-Chicago_River_towboat_and_barge_080405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="220" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX9Vz1mII4Y/WfTUG9nRoCI/AAAAAAAAAIw/_ArmqbWlhzQ2M-i4_44XqnzgSxTOZoOUACLcBGAs/s1600/220px-Chicago_River_towboat_and_barge_080405.jpg" /></a></b></div>Imagine a huge barge inching down the river. &nbsp;It will get to its destination, but at its own time and pace. &nbsp;There's not much to make it move faster or take another path, but try as you might--keep pushing it forward.&nbsp; The barge is just fine with waiting for the speedboats to zip ahead and then report back with the success of an initiative. &nbsp;There's just no urgency to rush. <br /><br />These won't be your leaders of innovation, but school leaders must support the barges through their journey and continue to communicate the end goal. &nbsp;Connect the barge with a tugboat and now you might have some momentum.<br /><br /><a href="https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/anchor-ocean-floor-5644587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for anchor ocean" border="0" height="320" src="https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/anchor-ocean-floor-5644587.jpg" width="214" /></a><b>Anchors&nbsp;</b><br /><br />A heavy, immovable weight stuck down into the depths. &nbsp;You aren't moving this one--and they're not afraid to tell you so.&nbsp; They've watched many things pass them by and they are content right where they are.&nbsp; Focus on ways keep all the other boats moving. &nbsp;Don't let them get pulled down by the anchor.<br /><br /><br />Teachers--which one are you?&nbsp; If you are not where you want to be, how might you change it?<br /><br />School Leaders--how do you support each of these?&nbsp; Can you lift the anchors? How to you respond to your barges?&nbsp; How do you continue to fuel your speedboats?&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-78126416600439678492017-10-29T12:34:00.001-07:002017-10-29T12:34:24.838-07:003 Things That Scare Me in Education--(Halloween Edition)<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zCcOJ8jwIQ/WfYm_W9GniI/AAAAAAAAAJI/AIlLSYlaX7EwfkfSUZhnsnZJfvcyDWUlACLcBGAs/s1600/Trick-or-Treat-Times-B-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zCcOJ8jwIQ/WfYm_W9GniI/AAAAAAAAAJI/AIlLSYlaX7EwfkfSUZhnsnZJfvcyDWUlACLcBGAs/s320/Trick-or-Treat-Times-B-b.jpg" width="320" /></a>Education is shifting--but that's not scary to me. Schools are embracing changes and looking ahead to the future. That's exciting!&nbsp; Infusing inquiry and hands-on learning into classroom--that's the good stuff, but there's some scary stuff out there that is more a trick than a treat.&nbsp; Here are three things that we need to reconsider in education.<br /><br />1.&nbsp; Homework<br /><br />As an educator and a parent, I am scared about the mounds of homework I see.&nbsp; Matt Miller and Alice Keeler preach about this in their book <a href="http://ditchthattextbook.com/homework/">Ditch That Homework</a>&nbsp; and I couldn't agree<br />more.&nbsp; Why are we inundated our young people with meaningless assignments and piles of paperwork?&nbsp; Let's give them valuable tasks to do at home, like reading together or taking a walk as a family.&nbsp; Homework is scary, mostly because there's just so much of it but also because research doesn't support it.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/creative-development/201708/new-trend-no-homework-elementary-students">Research shows that less is more.</a>&nbsp; So, let's stop this terrifying trend and reconsider the type of work that our students should do at home.&nbsp;<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22yGfj1mseQ/WfYl4P-2SfI/AAAAAAAAAJA/0EntkxbLCV87sVk7eK8arJpSIo4H_DX-gCLcBGAs/s1600/scream-queens-janet-leigh-sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="616" height="135" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22yGfj1mseQ/WfYl4P-2SfI/AAAAAAAAAJA/0EntkxbLCV87sVk7eK8arJpSIo4H_DX-gCLcBGAs/s200/scream-queens-janet-leigh-sized.jpg" width="200" /></a>2.&nbsp; Desks in rows<br /><br />When I see sterile classrooms with desks in neatly formed rows, I just want to scream!&nbsp; AAAHHH! Who wants to learn in a space like this?&nbsp; With the recent flexible seating trend, more classrooms are shifting away from this frightening set-up and moving towards seating options that meet the needs of our students.&nbsp; Student-centered classrooms should fit the learning needs of the kids.&nbsp; My NAESP article <a href="https://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/Maslyk_ND16.pdf">Learning Space Transformation</a>&nbsp;talks about why this is so critical for our students.&nbsp; Let's create classrooms that support creativity and collaboration, because the only other place I know of that is set up in rows is here!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXhZl_DxuAY/WfYpfZ6053I/AAAAAAAAAJU/YkqkV8L_6LcYHaXx_zKrV4ZVsIXtWwQSQCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_mfg0z7l5n41ql2rrxo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXhZl_DxuAY/WfYpfZ6053I/AAAAAAAAAJU/YkqkV8L_6LcYHaXx_zKrV4ZVsIXtWwQSQCLcBGAs/s320/tumblr_mfg0z7l5n41ql2rrxo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3.&nbsp; BOOOOOO worksheets!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know some classrooms, who alone, may send the school copier to a cemetery from the amount of papers they copy each day.&nbsp; In one day, I know a kindergarten student who brought home 15 papers.&nbsp; Yes, FIFTEEN! That is an awful lot of trees killed--and that is pretty scary.&nbsp; Can't we move away from the worksheet mindset and look to more authentic types of learning?&nbsp; I know that some people will never give up their paper and pencil tests on Fridays, but we owe it to our students to provide meaningful learning opportunities that engage and excite them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know the thought of moving away from homework, desks, and assignments may be just as scary to some.&nbsp; Maybe what I am suggesting sounds like a horror movie to you. I challenge you all to ditch the homework, change up the rows, and give up the worksheets--- just for a week.&nbsp; I wonder what will change for your students if you do????</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-45856283917593910832017-10-18T11:23:00.000-07:002017-10-18T11:23:26.542-07:006 Tips For STEAM Maker Success<div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bNBzzNYr2g/WeeMAg25UXI/AAAAAAAAAIY/RPQdRB5_dho38cPztq1lRop9AEGO1f_ugCLcBGAs/s1600/stem%2Bto%2Bsteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1194" height="181" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bNBzzNYr2g/WeeMAg25UXI/AAAAAAAAAIY/RPQdRB5_dho38cPztq1lRop9AEGO1f_ugCLcBGAs/s200/stem%2Bto%2Bsteam.jpg" width="200" /></a>Chances are your school is moving forward with some type of STEMish program.&nbsp; STEM or STEAM or STREAM or whatever you may title it--this integrated approach to learning in the content areas is taking hold in many schools.&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">Personally, I favor the term STEAM, because I believe the A is an integral part of learning.&nbsp; Makers are artists, thus bridging the connection between STEAM and Making.&nbsp; Many schools are pushing their thinking ahead and pairing his hands-on&nbsp;approach with makerspace learning.&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">Just as every makerspace looks different from the next, every program will also look different.&nbsp; Here are 6 tips that will help as you develop any of these learning experiences in your school.</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">1. <strong>Empower</strong></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">Why are you embracing STEAM and Making?&nbsp; What types of opportunities will you provide?&nbsp; Let your student decide!&nbsp; Empower them to make decisions.&nbsp; Can they design the learning space?&nbsp; Can they select the materials to buy?&nbsp; How might they learn the learning for others?&nbsp; Include your students early and often when planning any STEAM Maker initiatives. Empower them to drive the learning.</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">2.&nbsp; <strong>Invite</strong></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">Reach out to parents and community members and invite them in.&nbsp; If they aren't familiar with STEAM or Making, here's your chance to share the joy.&nbsp; Plan a parent maker night.&nbsp; Not only can an event like this engage parents, it's always a great way to restock your space.&nbsp; Ask each family to donate a clean recyclable item like paper towel rolls, water bottles, or even a dollar store item.&nbsp; The important part is to&nbsp;share the experience with those who are outside of the school by extending the invitation and the learning. </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Connect</strong></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">Explore the potential partners you may have right in your backyard.&nbsp; Community partners like&nbsp;local businesses,&nbsp;universities, or corporations&nbsp;can add value to your program in a number of ways.&nbsp; Can the community partner support your students through mentoring?&nbsp; Can students design and create for an authentic business audience? Maybe they can support you with funding or support with materials.&nbsp; Establishing relationships with communities partners can have both long and short term benefits for your students.</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">4.&nbsp; <strong>Ask</strong></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">Don't be afraid to ask . . . for anything.&nbsp; There are lots of organizations supporting STEAM and Maker learning.&nbsp; Ask them for stuff!&nbsp; Materials, time, support, tools.&nbsp; We beg, borrow, and steal in education, right?</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">Bird Brain Technologies, a Pittsburgh company, has a loan program for their educational robotics materials.&nbsp; So instead of struggling to figure out how to fit this into your budget, you can borrow items for a month or two and then pass them on to another educator.&nbsp; Last year, I reached out to a local company who sold used furniture and other recycled&nbsp;items and asked for some flexible seating for my school.&nbsp; They generously donated twice what I requested.&nbsp; You'll never know unless you ask!</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">5.&nbsp; <strong>Visit </strong></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">In education, we can become isolated.&nbsp; We stay in our classrooms and teach our students, and that's it.&nbsp; Now with social media like Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook more teachers are sharing questions, ideas, and practices but we still stay isolated in our physical spaces.&nbsp; <strong>Get out!</strong>&nbsp; Visit other schools.&nbsp; Check out other makerspaces or innovative STEAM programs near you. Talk to other educators engaging&nbsp;in this work.&nbsp;Expanding your horizons and visiting other schools can be both validating and refreshing! </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">6.&nbsp; <strong>Build</strong></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">STEAM and Maker learning is only as good as the facilitators leading it.&nbsp; Building capacity among the educators in your school by providing innovative PD that includes hands-on learning and skills in Making are critical to the sustainability of a program.&nbsp; During our recent professional development day, we offered an "innovation lounge" where teachers could tinker with educational technology tools and collaborate with colleagues in an informal setting.&nbsp; This summer, we offered teacher workshops on sewing, circuitry, and soldering for those who wanted to plan ways to incorporate hands-on learning into their language arts classrooms.&nbsp; How do you build capacity for STEAM Maker learning in your school or district?&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">STEAM and Maker Education provide a hands-on pathway to learning that is growing in schools across the country.&nbsp; These six tips can provide some guidance for those just getting started or for those well on their way.&nbsp; What other tips would you share?</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-56690777970382453922017-08-13T12:25:00.002-07:002017-08-13T12:25:41.909-07:00Connected Learning: 3 Summer Experiences That Pushed Me ForwardI love summer!&nbsp; But not because of the reasons people probably think.&nbsp; It's not that students and teachers are not in the buildings.&nbsp; It's not because administrators sit around with their feet up all summer.&nbsp;NOT!!! It's because this is my prime time for learning!<br /><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">The summer affords me the opportunity to do 3 things that I love to do: read books, connect with other educators, and attend conferences.&nbsp; Sure, I can do these things during the school year, but this is the time that I refocus myself and re-energize my brain for the new school year.&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">This summer was no different.&nbsp; I have been reading lots of great books, both educational books and children's books.&nbsp; I read Matt Miller's Ditch That Textbook and found myself wanting to tweet from the rooftops.&nbsp;We must, must, must move away from this textbook-drive system and provide more authentic learning opportunities to our students.&nbsp; I also read Tribes by Seth Godin.&nbsp; Not necessarily intended as an educational book but this had profound implications on school leadership and helped me to rethink some of my practices.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3k-RcjBbXw/WZCnH7CdGTI/AAAAAAAAAH4/DoyrC0VmlPIlzVVzlrxRW73QFzhr864nwCLcBGAs/s1600/cropped-Blog-Header-1225x224-color-corrected12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="1183" height="59" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3k-RcjBbXw/WZCnH7CdGTI/AAAAAAAAAH4/DoyrC0VmlPIlzVVzlrxRW73QFzhr864nwCLcBGAs/s320/cropped-Blog-Header-1225x224-color-corrected12.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-image: none;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>Since I have two young boys at home, I also dedicated some of my reading time to checking out cool children's books.&nbsp; Most of the books fed my interest in STEAM and Maker Education.&nbsp; Most notably, I read Emmet's Storm by Ann Rubino.&nbsp;It&nbsp;won a Best STEM&nbsp;Book for 2017 and was well-deserved.&nbsp; An intermediate level chapter book,&nbsp;it focuses on the innovative spirit of the main character who isn't always supported in his tinkering and inventing.&nbsp; His inquisitive mind serves his community well in the end.&nbsp; &nbsp;Set in the late 1800s it is a great book to read aloud to students of many ages as it highlights many of the dispositions that we want to see in our students. <br /><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpHSXSn7rko/WZCl_5B0dEI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Wdypgeo9_k8_EE-BrcMxUEdXk12hW9uKwCLcBGAs/s1600/edcamp.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="316" height="103" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpHSXSn7rko/WZCl_5B0dEI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Wdypgeo9_k8_EE-BrcMxUEdXk12hW9uKwCLcBGAs/s200/edcamp.png" width="200" /></a>In July, I participated in EdCamp Voice.&nbsp; If you aren't on Voxer, you are&nbsp;missing a great opportunity to connect with inspiring educators across the country!&nbsp; While the Compelled Tribe has been my primary Voxer group, I loved adding new groups to my queue.&nbsp; EdCamp Voice provided me with new connections through an "Authors and Aspiring Authors" group, as well as a STEAM/Makerspace group.&nbsp; The conversations with others who want to learn and grow has helped me to refresh this summer.</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vkAFzfnQ13M/WZCmkqHYDtI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Ezhzf4A80qchReKg5qukXg8wMXCYwv04gCLcBGAs/s1600/ila.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="199" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vkAFzfnQ13M/WZCmkqHYDtI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Ezhzf4A80qchReKg5qukXg8wMXCYwv04gCLcBGAs/s200/ila.png" width="200" /></a>I was fortunate to attend the International Literacy Association's annual conference in July.&nbsp; What a great experience!&nbsp; Not only did I enjoy presenting but I also attended sessions with major ELA "educelebrities"--Pernille Ripp, Ralph Fletcher, Kylene Beers, Jan Richardson.&nbsp; Need I go on ?!?!&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">I also had the chance to meet some of my PLN face-to-face for the first time.&nbsp; Jennifer Williams and Sean Farnum (aka Magic Pants Jones) are just as friendly and inspiring in person as they are on Twitter.&nbsp; During the conference, I also participated in EdCamp Literacy (so much fun!) and attended a panel session with editors from ILA.&nbsp; </div><br /><br />While my summer was busy, I was able to refuel my educational engine and get focused on a new school year.&nbsp; Can't wait to get started!<br /><br /><br /><br />Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-61237649858704266742017-07-12T12:48:00.000-07:002017-07-12T12:48:05.945-07:00Professional Learning--Eye Opening Experience or Energy Draining In-Service?Professional development, in-service days, educational training.&nbsp; Whatever you may call it--does it invoke excitement or dread?&nbsp; If your PD days are mandatory "sit and get" sessions that don't appeal to you (and how could they?!?!) what if professional learning was more like a curated experience?&nbsp;&nbsp;What if it was&nbsp;a well-planned excursion that allowed for personal choices, casual conversations and unique perspectives?&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><div style="border-image: none;">Our district recently had an administrative professional learning day that included principals and central office leaders.&nbsp; Instead of sitting in the board room for a meeting or learning through a webinar, we had a day-long experience that would help to guide our thinking as we planned for the next school year.&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">There were no sessions.&nbsp; No scheduled agenda.&nbsp; No Power Point.&nbsp; Instead, it was a series of experiences that promoted team collaboration and personal reflection with a small community flair. </div><br /><br /><div style="border-image: none;">Prior to this day, our team read The Starbucks Experience. (If you haven't read this one, I highly recommend it.&nbsp; There are so many educational connections and insight into how we serve our students, teachers, and communities.) The book focuses on the 5 Principles that guide the company through their successful domination of the coffee industry.&nbsp; The principles don't really have much to do with coffee and are applicable to any field.&nbsp; </div><br /><br /><div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud8AibC3wt4/WWZz6LSRZ6I/AAAAAAAAAHU/GcMqDlP_C-gh-kcp1imy_V-aGBMxAh7lwCLcBGAs/s1600/Beaver_downtown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="976" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud8AibC3wt4/WWZz6LSRZ6I/AAAAAAAAAHU/GcMqDlP_C-gh-kcp1imy_V-aGBMxAh7lwCLcBGAs/s200/Beaver_downtown.jpg" width="200" /></a>To explore these principles in more depth, we visited a local main street with neighborhood shops and restaurants.&nbsp; We met that morning at (who guessed it?) Starbucks where we talked&nbsp;with a manager as she told us about her experience with the company.&nbsp; She shared small ways that Starbucks pays attention to its customers and builds on relationships with one another.</div><br /><br />Our learning experience continued as we strolled down the street and visited a family-owned bakery, chatting with the owner and his son about the connections they have with their customers and the importance of knowing what matters to them.&nbsp; They shared stories of how they have maintained tradition while also moving forward with the changes times, adding new technologies to a 50-year old neighborhood favorite.<br /><br /><br />Next we visited a&nbsp;newer&nbsp;restaurant where the chef/owner&nbsp;talked about the ways his business has overcome challenges in the last year.&nbsp; He recognized obstacles in his way, but worked to find creative solutions to them.&nbsp; He urged us to take time to listen to get to the heart of any problems.<br /><br /><br />Our last stop was at a long-standing restaurant where we dined with a 40-year veteran of public education.&nbsp; She shared the history of the community with us and talked about ways that she moved up through the ranks to become one of the first female superintendents in the area.&nbsp; She pointed out the importance of knowing your community and looking for ways to partner with them to embrace new ideas during times of change.<br /><br /><br />Here we also talked with&nbsp;the restaurant manager about the idea of being in the business of serving people--which we often forget in education. She made connections with the way that her work aligns with the work of our school system.&nbsp;We have many visitors come through our doors each day (parents, grandparents, students, teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, community leaders) just as she has diverse customers who come to her restaurant.&nbsp; Each one may be seeking something different, but it is our responsibility to greet them all, welcome them in, and give them what they need.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Much like Starbucks, we need to make personal connections with our customers.&nbsp; In our ongoing efforts to move forward and be future-ready, we must remember to honor traditions, as the bakery owners have done.&nbsp; We will face obstacles as the chef/owner of the new restaurant, but by listening and understanding the issues we can find success as he has.&nbsp; Reflecting with our veteran educator, we have to remind ourselves that we are in the business of teaching. Teaching students.&nbsp; We have to make learning personal for them, developing sincere connections, and helping them to overcome obstacles.<br /><br /><br />While our day of learning could've been spent in a workshop being lectured on leadership skills or listening to an educational speaker, instead we built connections among our team in an unexpected way-- eating, talking, and hearing the experiences of different people, which ultimately allowed us to reflect on our ability to be better school leaders.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Things to Consider:<br />How might this learning experience change the way we plan professional learning for teachers? <br />How can we rethink what learning looks like? for teachers and students?<br />What opportunities to we have to reflect on education as a service and make changes to ensure that we are serving those that enter our schools?Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-59174441829619061852017-07-01T12:26:00.000-07:002017-07-01T12:26:04.366-07:005 Phrases We Must Ban in Education<div style="border-image: none;"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwi3oaTMoeHUAhVMPT4KHQVXAYYQjRwIBw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=images&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi3oaTMoeHUAhVMPT4KHQVXAYYQjRwIBw&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fcoelasquid.tumblr.com%2Fpost%2F93186238783%2Ffawnbro-lokicolouredglasses&amp;psig=AFQjCNEZ2ntvBRdqagRgaIvM4YI7nbQgwg&amp;ust=1498764124950969" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for the most dangerous phrase we've always done it this way" height="238" id="irc_mi" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/57f064a5a0b47b08b5f68d64f0bbf2c6/tumblr_n3f0ytxRBz1sg82ruo1_1280.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">A couple weeks ago, I tweeted out this picture.&nbsp; It's is a phrase that I feel represents a huge barrier to positive educational change.&nbsp; Apparently, it really resonated with people, as I received hundreds of likes, re-tweets, and comments.&nbsp; This got me thinking about other phrases that get in the way of our progress in schools.&nbsp; Many phrases damage the culture in ways that are challenging to repair. <br /><br /><br />So, here are the&nbsp;5 phrases that I believe we must ban in education if we are going to provide positive, future-ready schools for our students.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><strong>1. "My kids <u>can't</u> do that."</strong></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><a 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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>A group of teachers&nbsp;are learning about a new initiative that requires student independence and a well-managed classroom when I overheard one teacher blurt out this negative phrase--"Oh, my&nbsp;kids can't do that.&nbsp; They're just not ready."&nbsp; Her attitude pained me as&nbsp;I thought about the students in her class that&nbsp;probably missed out on so many opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;As school leaders, we need to&nbsp;fill our schools with educators that have a Can-Do attitude while also finding ways to support those who don't hold positive beliefs about young learners.<br /><br /><br />(And&nbsp;I'm pretty<strong> </strong>sure we should just get rid of the word "can't" altogether.) <br /><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">2.&nbsp; "<strong>If I wait long enough this (Fill in the blank---trend, administrator, parent) will go away."</strong><br />When we wait for something uncomfortable to go away, we are wasting valuable&nbsp;time--time that we could be devoting to our students.&nbsp; You know the type I'm talking about.&nbsp; The&nbsp;educator&nbsp;who balks at a faculty meeting because he thinks "Eh, in a year or two this principal will be gone.&nbsp; I'll just wait him out." <br /><br /><br />Ugh!&nbsp; I hope you don't have many of these individuals&nbsp;in your schools, as they can put a real damper on things.&nbsp; Make the positive so loud that they just can't stand it.&nbsp; Once they see&nbsp;how an optimistic&nbsp;outlook can impact a school, perhaps they will reconsider.<br /><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><strong>3.&nbsp; "He's way too far behind to ever catch up with the others."</strong><br />We've all encountered struggling learners.&nbsp; We worry about them&nbsp;when we aren't at school.&nbsp;&nbsp;In class, we give them all we've got to ensure they their needs are being met, but some teachers&nbsp;see the impossible rather than the possible.&nbsp; Yes, there are students&nbsp;who are far behind, but&nbsp;it is our responsibility to&nbsp;help them "catch up" in&nbsp;any way we can. You never&nbsp;know what small nudge a student may need that will allow them to have an educational breakthrough.&nbsp; <br /><div style="border-image: none;">&nbsp;</div></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><div style="border-image: none;"><strong>4.&nbsp; "I don't know why they didn't get it.&nbsp; I covered it!" </strong></div><div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mt2WEsybes/WVftFsZMG6I/AAAAAAAAAG8/NjgTe5Anne4LU5c_ZdyoXd34RXMCPAnqwCLcBGAs/s1600/didn%2527t%2Blearn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="236" height="155" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mt2WEsybes/WVftFsZMG6I/AAAAAAAAAG8/NjgTe5Anne4LU5c_ZdyoXd34RXMCPAnqwCLcBGAs/s200/didn%2527t%2Blearn.jpg" width="200" /></a>How many times have you heard this one?&nbsp; A teacher gives a mid-term and half of the students bombed it--but they assure you that they covered all the material.&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">Our students learn in different ways and at different rates.&nbsp; Are we designing instruction that will allow them to access the content?&nbsp; Are we providing engaging opportunities to learn the concepts?&nbsp; Allocating time for practice and feedback?&nbsp; If a student didn't learn it&nbsp;the way we taught it, then we need to be self-reflective enough to recognize that we may need to go back to the drawing board.&nbsp; </div><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><strong>5.&nbsp; "We've always done it this way."</strong></div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">It is easy to get into a rut--we've all been there.&nbsp; We keep plugging along doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.&nbsp; This happens in our classrooms, schools, and districts.&nbsp; Don't stay stuck!&nbsp; Sometimes we have to stop, reflect and consider if this way is the best for our students.&nbsp;&nbsp;If it's not effective, then stop doing it that way.<br /><br /><br />There are probably more phrases in education that get under your skin.&nbsp; What are your pet peeves?&nbsp; How do you counteract them in your school?&nbsp; How do we rise above these (and other) challenges to create positive schools that support teacher growth and student learning?</div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-18676570769115443552017-06-10T12:31:00.001-07:002017-06-10T12:31:03.488-07:00Game Hacks for Makers<div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a89BdQPyeB8/WTxDjckQbSI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/kLF1IXE9jBEyzLiEi4wZpjSwv4bvVAYpACLcB/s1600/uno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a89BdQPyeB8/WTxDjckQbSI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/kLF1IXE9jBEyzLiEi4wZpjSwv4bvVAYpACLcB/s200/uno.jpg" width="150" /></a>My son turned five in April.&nbsp; Among the gifts he received was the card game UNO.&nbsp; I remember the game from my childhood and thought that would be a good one for him to start to build his strategic thinking.&nbsp; As we opened it and started to set up the game, I saw a new component.&nbsp; The new version contains "customizable wild cards" that you can write on.&nbsp; Players can create a new dimension to the game by having players swap hands or making your opponent give up all their wild cards.&nbsp; </div><br /><br /><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfxU7g0QpCk/WTxEZ5pvu9I/AAAAAAAAAGc/C-QjnWgJg9wLxe4UIInB4Sq3mNgVdB4ZgCLcB/s1600/uno%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfxU7g0QpCk/WTxEZ5pvu9I/AAAAAAAAAGc/C-QjnWgJg9wLxe4UIInB4Sq3mNgVdB4ZgCLcB/s200/uno%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a>So I "googled" UNO's new twist and found tons of ideas for how people are customizing the game.&nbsp;Just one small hack by including some blank cards&nbsp;can&nbsp;totally change the game.&nbsp; It allows players to think creatively and strategically about how to beat their opponents.&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">The concept made me wonder if other games have added any new twists.&nbsp; But then I thought--they don't need to!&nbsp; Who says we can't create our own hacks to games?&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">Surely, we've all considered different twists to Twister or adding a creative rule to Monopoly.&nbsp; Lots&nbsp;of people have&nbsp;switched up Jenga to make it more unpredictable and interactive by writing different commands on each wooden piece.&nbsp;</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIRfU2Pt9u0/WTxGNWUG3eI/AAAAAAAAAGk/t0o77ewaWC8uFVi9DYx4nWBXyvDTsAXAACLcB/s1600/jenga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIRfU2Pt9u0/WTxGNWUG3eI/AAAAAAAAAGk/t0o77ewaWC8uFVi9DYx4nWBXyvDTsAXAACLcB/s200/jenga.jpg" width="133" /></a>Why couldn't we hack other card games or&nbsp;board games?&nbsp; How might we transform traditional board games into something new and different?&nbsp;&nbsp;By changing one component of a game, our approach may be different.&nbsp;Would our strategies need to change?&nbsp; Could we merge two games into one or take parts from many different games and combine them?&nbsp; The possibilities are endless!</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="border-image: none;">In education, we are pushing the 4 Cs-&nbsp;fostering creativity, building communication skills, developing critical thinking skills, and pursuing collaboration.&nbsp; Adding a small hack to an existing childhood game can provide opportunities for all four.</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="border-image: none;">We are in the era of the Makers.&nbsp; A generation of young people are growing up with a tinkering mindset that gives them the permission to hack, deconstruct, and mess with just about anything in order to create something new and better.&nbsp; This hack in the UNO game is small step towards innovation.&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">What games have you hacked?&nbsp; Share you ideas&nbsp;on how hacking a board game can be a creative shift for students.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAQvy-K9mzk/WTxDrTrh7sI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Jq4GR07VaLEQcpAPe3bCtsZHYHYn1R7cQCEw/s1600/uno%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAQvy-K9mzk/WTxDrTrh7sI/AAAAAAAAAGU/DKmV71TZQBAzWPRBd91zDdl4XP5R-sYwQCLcB/s1600/uno%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-8540000262015698802017-05-16T05:15:00.001-07:002017-05-16T05:15:41.992-07:003 Ideas to End the Year Strong <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_IhqoagyFw/WRmwHlgnGSI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/p6Caxkwo4wY9PWAzndP4GHIoldEJcpn1gCLcB/s1600/raise%2Bhand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_IhqoagyFw/WRmwHlgnGSI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/p6Caxkwo4wY9PWAzndP4GHIoldEJcpn1gCLcB/s200/raise%2Bhand.jpg" width="200" /></a>Raise your hand if you've shown your students a movie towards the end of the school year. <br /><br />I know lots of teachers who have relied on movies because they just didn't have the energy to do much else. &nbsp;I get it. &nbsp;The weather is getting warmer--it's hot inside your classroom. <br /><br />"My kids are done!" ---I have heard teachers say. &nbsp;But as teachers, we have this awesome responsibility to educate our students the very best we can in the time that has been given to us. &nbsp;So, let's make it the best experience all the way til the last bell rings. &nbsp;End the year strong!<br /><br />Whether you teach first grade, high school chemistry, or somewhere in between, here are 3 ideas you might try to end your school year as strong is you started it.<br /><br /><b>#1 Engage Them</b><br /><br />When you give up, so do your students. &nbsp;Show them that you will stay engaged even into June. Engage them with hands-on projects, an end of year project-based learning unit, or an engineering design challenge. Engaging students through Making is one way to keep them thinking, collaborating, and creating throughout the school year. &nbsp;Check out my book STEAM Makers for more ideas to infuse creativity and innovation into your classroom.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/STEAM-Makers-Creativity-Innovation-Elementary/dp/1506311245">https://www.amazon.com/STEAM-Makers-Creativity-Innovation-Elementary/dp/1506311245</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://insidetheclassroomoutsidethebox.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/kinesthetic-classrooms.png?w=540" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="kinesthetic Classrooms .png" border="0" height="320" src="https://insidetheclassroomoutsidethebox.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/kinesthetic-classrooms.png?w=540" width="246" /></a><b>#2 Get Moving</b><br /><br />Do your students get a little antsy this time of year? &nbsp;Keep them active! &nbsp;Plan a scavenger hunt around the school. &nbsp;Take the class for a walk around the building. Get outside and beautify your school grounds. &nbsp;Try some action-based learning.<br /><br /><br />Plan regular brain breaks. &nbsp;There are lots of benefits to using this strategy in the classroom. &nbsp;Check out this list of brain breaks from Jill Thompson: <a href="https://insidetheclassroomoutsidethebox.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/incorporating-brain-breaks/">https://insidetheclassroomoutsidethebox.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/incorporating-brain-breaks/</a><br /><br /><br /><b>#3 Have Fun!</b><br /><br />Are students really <u>having fun</u> watching Finding Nemo or some other Disney classic? &nbsp;Throwing on a movie might make the day seem a little easier to you, but your students would rather learn about a new tool, play a game, use technology, plan a project, or talk about their interests. &nbsp;What can you do to have fun and keep kids going until the last bell?<br /><br />Explore <b>Common Sense Media</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/">https://www.commonsensemedia.org/</a> and let students check out new apps or summer movie releases. &nbsp;They can blog about a new app they've tried or create their own movie trailers for a summer blockbuster.<br /><br />Start summer vacation early by trying <b>Google Expeditions</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://edu.google.com/expeditions/">https://edu.google.com/expeditions/</a> . Choose exotic locales or historical hot spots that the class may want to visit. &nbsp;Check out the amazing experience with Google Cardboard or other virtual reality tools. <br /><br />Look at some <b>DIY projects</b> to end the school year. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/diy-projects-that-will-blow-your-kids-minds?utm_term=.ooVOVylOW#.jiOvebkvq">https://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/diy-projects-that-will-blow-your-kids-minds?utm_term=.ooVOVylOW#.jiOvebkvq</a> Students will have fun choosing projects that interest them from decorating and building to gardening or hacking. &nbsp;The end of the year can be filled with engaging, creative, and fun learning opportunities.<br /><br />So put down that VHS tape that you've shown for the last 10 years. &nbsp;Make the end of this year memorable. &nbsp;Use the last few days or weeks left with your students to do something amazing and keep them learning until the last bell.Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-39122805040165262122017-05-13T08:52:00.002-07:002017-05-13T08:52:11.562-07:00Press the orange button!Several months ago I started using Voxer. &nbsp;I joined a lively group of educators who were reading Innovator's Mindset by George Couros. &nbsp;The concept of adding voice to the discussion format that I loved on Twitter really intrigued me, so I jumped right in. &nbsp;Some of the educators were hesitant and only sent out a "vox" after lurking for a while--and that it OK. &nbsp;At least they did it! <br /><br />As I listened to my Voxer messages on my way to work one morning, someone said something simple that really struck me--you have to have the courage to press the orange button. &nbsp;(If you don't know Voxer, there's an orange button that you press to record your voice to send your message out.) The person that said it was encouraging others in the group. Come on. &nbsp;Press the button. &nbsp;You can do this!<br /><br />Since then, I've noticed evidence of metaphorical button pushing all over the place. &nbsp;One motivated teacher was interested in flexible seating for her classroom. &nbsp;She knew this was a risk and outside of what her colleagues might consider, but she pressed the button anyways. &nbsp;She created a plan for seating options in her classroom and went for it, resulting in enthusiastic and engaged students. <br /><br />Another teacher, a digital immigrant, wanted to find new ways to involve her students in her ELA lessons. &nbsp;While she was ready to try something different, she wasn't convinced that technology was the way to go. &nbsp;She collaborated with another colleague and learned a few apps that could infuse technology and increase student participation in class. &nbsp;She pushed the orange button and even showcased her new learning for her annual classroom observation.<br /><br />Some teachers are still pretty reluctant to push the button. &nbsp;Perhaps it's that they don't like the sound of their own voice. &nbsp;Or maybe it's the fear of stumbling as your speaking. &nbsp;I get that--I had those same fears at first too. &nbsp;But, I hope that the reason isn't that they don't think they have anything important to say. &nbsp;Sharing your ideas is critical to growing as an educator. &nbsp;So, maybe your vox isn't mind-blowing. That's OK! &nbsp;It doesn't have to be. &nbsp;It does, however represent the opportunity for you to connect with other educators--just by pressing that button.<br /><br />Go ahead . . . you can do it.<br /><br />PRESS IT !<br /><br /><img alt="Image result for voxer button" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTazD9Pi4I3IGWsiXk8OkDeLEnXiT-41ev5DXc6xmA-igJe45J9" /><br /><br /><br />Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-24944711820121049502016-11-23T16:40:00.001-08:002016-11-23T16:40:06.677-08:00Who's Hungry?As the holidays are fast approaching, family, friends, and food are likely on the minds of many. &nbsp;Oven-roasted turkeys, savory side dishes, and delicious desserts will fill our tables and our bellies as we gather in the upcoming days and weeks. &nbsp;The sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays heighten our sense and make us hungry.<div><br /></div><div>In education, we see a different kind of hunger--the dedication and drive to do more for our students. Recently I served on an interview committee as our team worked to fill a teaching position in our school district. &nbsp;While we had lots of qualified candidates, some stood out from the crowd. &nbsp;You know the ones I'm talking about. &nbsp;The educators that are so engaged in the conversation that the passion is just oozing out of them. &nbsp;Their enthusiasm and eagerness is simply contagious. &nbsp;They are filled with knowledge and ideas that they just can't contain. &nbsp;They ready to teach--just show them to their classroom. &nbsp;They're HUNGRY!</div><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to decision-making time about the interview candidates, I conveyed my strong beliefs about the candidate who had risen above the rest. Motivated. Intelligent. Passionate. Energized. Creative. &nbsp;Hungry. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>In my opinion, the hungry candidates wins out every time. &nbsp;It is their insatiable hunger that continues to propel them forward, not just in the interview process but throughout their careers. &nbsp;They go on to become teachers who are always striving to better themselves, improve their instruction, and provide a relevant learning experience for their students. &nbsp;They are willing to take risks, push the boundaries, and think about the possibilities. &nbsp;The hungry teachers keep current with technology while looking ahead to see what's coming. &nbsp;They recognize the importance of collaboration and engage in a network with other hungry people. &nbsp;They pursue opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>In keeping with the food theme, here are some characteristics of hungry educators. &nbsp;They show us that they want to FEAST:</div><div><br /></div>F- Forward-thinking<br />E- Eager<br />A- Authentic<br />S- Smart<br />T- Tireless<br /><br />While these may not encompass all of the attributes of hungry teachers, the list provides a starting point to describe the go-getters that we need in our schools. &nbsp;So, as we head into Thanksgiving and into the holiday season, maintain your momentum and push yourself to seek out new learning for you and your students. &nbsp;Surround yourself with other creative thinkers. &nbsp;Start a new collaborative project. Do something to feed your desire to improve as an educator. Stay hungry!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-40545612485501493332016-09-13T10:22:00.004-07:002016-09-13T10:24:27.482-07:00When Was the Last Time You Tried Something New?<br /><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://thefitfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/try-something-new.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></div>I like to think of myself as an innovative person. &nbsp;As an educator, I feel like it comes with the territory. &nbsp;I love Twitter and read books often (Thank you #SixtyBooks challenge!) &nbsp;but I can't really think of the last thing that I tried that was really brand new to me.<br /><br />This reflection makes me feel like a bit of a hypocrite because in many of my roles, my responsibility is to get people to create, innovate, explore, and dive headfirst into the future. &nbsp;As a mom, I am always pushing my young sons to try something new, take a risk. &nbsp;"Here honey, try a pea." "Yes, you can dive in without your swimmies." &nbsp;"I bet you can climb to the top of the rock wall. Go for it!" &nbsp; But, when have I done the same?<br /><br />As an assistant superintendent, I rally our principals to be forward-thinkers and lead with no limits. Collectively, we are working hard to move our district in the right direction. &nbsp;I push them often to think through a different lens and get uncomfortable. &nbsp;How often do I?<br /><br />With our teachers, we are challenging them to "think outside the box". Scratch that. &nbsp;We want them to jump out of the box, smash the box, and design a better one! &nbsp;I always thought my attitude towards learning demonstrated that, but what have I done lately to prove it?<br /><br />This week I decided to get involved in some innovative professional development of my own focused on the Innovator's Mindset by George Couros. &nbsp;I joined the #IMMOOC and am excited to participate in all that this journey has to offer. &nbsp;I also joined a Voxer group (So, it may not sound risky to some, but it is <b>brand new</b> to me.) &nbsp;Thanks to some encouragement from Twitter friends, I sent out my first Vox. &nbsp;It is becoming my routine that I listen to all the other participants on my commute to work and from work each day. &nbsp;It has been so interesting already (we are only a few days in) to hear from folks all over the country and beyond! <br /><br />Trying something new will not only help me to learn and grow as a professional, but I believe it will put me in the right frame of mind to continue to try new things in both my personal and professional life. &nbsp;I look forward to the opportunity to connect with other educators around the idea of innovation and who knows--maybe I'll even try Brussels sprouts!Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-86889065737543219282016-08-17T07:17:00.000-07:002016-08-17T07:17:41.007-07:0025 STEAM Makers Every Educator Should Follow on TwitterAs STEAM and Maker Education collide in our schools, classrooms, and libraries, connected educators are looking to find all the resources they can to design meaningful learning experiences for students. &nbsp;There are so many awesome teachers, principals, librarians. technology gurus, and innovators on Twitter who are building a powerful network of STEAM Maker leaders. &nbsp;Check out these 25 (in no particular order) that are making amazing contributions to advance STEAM Maker learning for young people.<br /><br /><br />1. <b>Colleen Graves</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/gravescolleen">@gravescolleen</a>&nbsp;A real mover and shaker in all things MakerEd, Colleen has a new book coming out focusing on maker projects. &nbsp;A teacher and librarian, she also started the Maker Slow Chat.<br /><br />2. <b>Louise Morgan</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MrsMorgansClass">@MrsMorgansClass</a>&nbsp; Louise is an instructional technologist who regularly blogs about her adventures in makerspaces. &nbsp;She also puts out the STEAM Makerspace Daily newsletter. Supportive in her re-tweets, Louise shares relevant articles around STEAM and Maker Education.<br /><br />3. <b>Kathi Kersznowski</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kerszi">@kerszi</a>&nbsp;I attended a session of Kathi's in 2015 at the inaugural Evolving Educators conference and I've been following her ever since. &nbsp;She regularly posts pictures of the great things she is doing in her STEAM Maker club. &nbsp;She is a forward-thinking and innovative educator!<br /><br />4. <b>Diana Rendina</b>&nbsp;Want to learn from an inspiring librarian and makerspace maven? &nbsp;Follow&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DianaLRendina">@DianaLRendina</a>&nbsp;! &nbsp;Her blog is a fabulous resource for new and experienced STEAM Makers. &nbsp;She reviews relevant professional books and posts pictures of her library, providing great ideas for educators interested in bringing creativity back into our schools.<br /><br />5. <b>Meredith Martin</b> <a href="https://twitter.com/geekyteach">&nbsp;@geekyteach</a>&nbsp; is a vibrant STEM teacher who is passionate about educational technology and Maker Ed. &nbsp;I've participated in a few of her hands-on workshops as she pushes tinkering and design thinking for teachers. &nbsp;Meredith tweets about cutting edge ideas in STEAM Maker education.<br /><br />6. <b>Sylvia Libow Martinez</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/smartinez">@smartinez</a>&nbsp;The author of Invent to Learn, a must-have book if you are into STEAM Maker learning. &nbsp;She shares relevant research and practical posts about classroom innovation.<br /><br />7. &nbsp;<b>Justin Aglio</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinAglio">@JustinAglio</a>&nbsp;This Director of Innovation, is a super hero when it comes to advancing STEAM Maker learning in his district. &nbsp;Justin shares great information about flipped learning and virtual immersion technology.<br /><br />8. <b>Zeina Chalich</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ZeinaChalich">@ZeinaChalich</a>&nbsp;An educational disruptor, Zeina tweets about design thinking, coding, STEAM, and educational technology. &nbsp;A Leader of Learning and Innovation K-6 (love that title, too!) her AussieEd chat is a great way connect with other STEAM Makers.<br /><br />9. <b>Susan Wells</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/wellssusan">@wellssusan</a>&nbsp;tweets about all things digital learning, from coding and robotics to new STEM tools. &nbsp;Susan shares lots of pics from Tech Terra Camp, making you wish you were 7 years old &nbsp;and at camp again!<br /><br />10. <b>Holly Gerlach</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MrsHollyGerlach">@MrsHollyGerlach</a>&nbsp;Holly is a STEM coordinator and classroom teacher. &nbsp;Active in lots of Twitter chats, Holly shares great pictures of classroom happenings. &nbsp;She is an encouraging and resourceful member of my PLN.<br /><br />11. <b>Margaret Powers</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/mpowers3">@mpowers3</a>&nbsp;Director of STEAM Innovation (a great title), Margaret shares great content around design thinking and STEAM education, including lots of Vines to see STEAM Maker learning in action.<br /><br />12. <b>Dan Ryder</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WickedDecent">@WickedDecent</a>&nbsp;I met this high-energy educator at a design thinking workshop last summer. &nbsp;What a motivational guy! &nbsp;He tweets about educational technology, student voice, and building empathy, among other relevant educational topics.<br /><br />13. <b>Laura Fleming</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/LFlemingEDU">@LFlemingEDU</a>&nbsp;Her book Worlds of Making is a great resource for those starting out in their STEAM Maker journey. &nbsp;Laura's website includes a digital badging platform and great professional development tools.<br /><br />14. &nbsp;<b>Eleni Kyritsis</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/misskyritsis?lang=en">@misskyritsis</a>&nbsp;This Aussie educator is up on educational technology and shares often about new tech tools. &nbsp;Knowledgeable in Google and Microsoft, Eleni regularly shares tips for teachers engaged in technology. &nbsp;She is also the creator of the Genius Hour Fair.<br /><br />15. &nbsp;<b>Krissy Venosdale</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/krissyvenosdale?lang=en">@krissyvenosdale</a>&nbsp;Always love her tweets since they are filled with great visual images- photos, info graphics, and art work. &nbsp;Reminds you about the importance of the A in STEAM! <br /><br />16. <b>Maker Mark</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Maker_Mark?lang=en">@Maker_Mark</a>&nbsp;is a STEAM and Maker Advocate. &nbsp;Check out his TED Talk on ensuring access to all Makers. &nbsp;He shares great information about research, policy, and professional development for STEAM Makers.<br /><br />17. <b>&nbsp;Brandon Johnson</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/bjohnson_STEAM">@bjohnson_STEAM</a>&nbsp;He is into project-based learning and Google Apps for Education. Brandon is a supportive retweeter of all things STEAM, Makered, and leadership.<br /><div><br /></div><div>18. <b>Carrie Baughcum</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HeckAwesome?lang=en">@HeckAwesome</a>&nbsp;Her brightly colored profile page pulls you right in! &nbsp;Carrie is an innovator and impressive sketch note creator. &nbsp;Her tweets include topics like gaming, growth mindset, and making. <br /><br /></div><div></div><div>19. <b>Aaron Vanderwerff</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/aVndrwrff?lang=en">@aVndrwrff</a>&nbsp; Aaron is Maker and innovator who posts videos and picture of student projects from his Creativity Lab. &nbsp;If you want to see STEAM Maker learning in action, follow Aaron!</div><div><br /></div><div>20. <b>Chris Chappotin</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Chappotin?lang=en">@Chris_Chappotin</a>&nbsp; Providing great updates from STEAM Middle School, Chris posts about educational technology tools and project-based learning resources.</div><div><br /></div><div>21. <b>Lindsey Own</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyOwn?lang=en">@LindseyOwn</a>&nbsp;Lindsey posts great pics and videos from her makerspace. &nbsp;If you are looking for information on Maker Ed and design thinking, you should follow Lindsey.</div><div><br /></div><div>22. <b>Brian Briggs</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/bribriggs?lang=en">@bribriggs</a>&nbsp;Brian is a Director of Innovation and Technology sharing posts on creativity, genius hour, coding, and new educational technology tools.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>23. &nbsp;<b>Susan Riley</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/susanrileyphoto?lang=en">@susanrileyphoto</a>&nbsp;The CEO of Education Closet, Susan tweets about anything STEAM including relevant research, interesting articles, and online professional development. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>24. &nbsp;<b>Ginger Lewman</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GingerLewman?lang=en">@GingerLewman</a>&nbsp;Self-professed "silo killer", integrating STEAM and Maker in meaningful ways. &nbsp;She is the creator of STEAMmaker Camp and advocate for all things project-based learning.</div><div><br /></div>25. Me!<br />Follow me&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DrJacieMaslyk">@DrJacieMaslyk</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;As the author of a new book,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/STEAM-Makers-Creativity-Innovation-Elementary/dp/1506311245/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1471281489&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=maslyk">STEAM Makers: Fostering Creativity and Innovation in the Elementary Classroom</a>&nbsp;I share examples of STEAM and Making happening in my district as well as in my region. &nbsp;I love connecting with other educators who are invested in forward-thinking and exploring the possibilities in schools.<br /><br />There are <b>many, many</b> other great educators out there involved in STEAM Maker learning. &nbsp;This list just represents a few who are moving education in the right direction. &nbsp;If you have suggestions for other names to be added to the list, please share a comment!Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-12039993004799381032016-08-15T09:40:00.002-07:002016-08-15T09:40:32.719-07:00You're off ALL summer ?!?!?!? As educators, don't you just love it when someone says-- Oh, you're a teacher/principal/administrator . . . . What do you DO all summer? &nbsp;ALL summer. &nbsp;I know the impression is that we are off for 3 whole months, but I can't remember a day that I sat in my office with my feet up eating bon-bons, that's for sure.<br /><br />In the last 53 days, I've been busy. I've spent more than half of those days working with teacher teams, writing curriculum and planing new learning for our students. &nbsp;I've met with teachers to discuss innovative projects and start a grant writing team. &nbsp;We've planned school-wide design challenges and for a little inspiration we visited innovative places in and around our city. &nbsp;We've collaborated with other school districts and built relationships with those in our community. &nbsp;We've spent time with our leadership team, setting goals, planning professional development, and building excitement for a year of new beginnings.<br /><br />I've done some things so that I can grow as a professional, as well. &nbsp;I spent several days at a national conference and presented on STEAM and Maker Education. A few more days were spent at local workshops, too. I've attended county-wide meetings and a regional summit on STEM education. &nbsp;In my free time, I published a blog or two and an article that will run in a national magazine. &nbsp;I wrote four grants and two conference proposals for this coming year. &nbsp;In an effort to meet my 60 books in 2016 challenge, I've read 20 books, including some great educational books. &nbsp;(Kids Deserve it, Innovator's Mindset, and Launch have all been really inspiring!) It's been a busy summer-busy with activity, reflection, and growth.<br /><br />SO, if you're not in education, please talk to teachers and principals. &nbsp;Find out about all of the things that happen over the summer to prepare for a new year. &nbsp;(I didn't even mention completing state and federal reports, ordering new books and materials, interviewing and welcoming new faculty and staff, coordinating services for students, overseeing renovation projects, meeting with parents, orienting new students to the district, reviewing files, responding to emails, attending board meetings, and on and on.) &nbsp;We are doing so much over the summer, professionally and personally, so that the first day of school is a success. &nbsp;We devote our time to preparing for students so that they come to school energized and ready to learn. &nbsp;August is an exciting time of year. &nbsp;While I'd love to sit poolside and finish my bon-bons, there's more work to do!<br /><br />Best wishes for a wonderful school year :-)Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-14227139724562616032016-07-08T08:09:00.002-07:002016-07-18T10:04:17.176-07:00Growing as Leaders and Learners<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></div><br /><div style="border-image: none;">With the summer now half over, I am already thinking&nbsp;and planning&nbsp;for&nbsp;the new school year, reading and actively looking for inspiration for 2016-2017.&nbsp;&nbsp;While I always find Twitter to be a great resource for personal, professional development, this week&nbsp;I was fortunate to get my inspiration from some Twitter celebs face to face.&nbsp; As an attendee and presenter at the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) conference in National Harbor, Maryland,&nbsp; I had the opportunity to hear from amazing educators across the country.&nbsp; Now, their books will make up my summer&nbsp; MUST READ list.&nbsp; I recommend these books to other educators based on the fact that my personal interactions with these gentlemen were so motivating that I have no doubts that their books will help me to make an impact in my school district.</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/669140427908505600/t6PrbjMQ_400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Dr. Brad Gustafson" border="0" class="ProfileAvatar-image " height="200" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/669140427908505600/t6PrbjMQ_400x400.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-image: none;"><strong>Brad Gustafson</strong> @GustafsonBrad was a friendly face at EdCamp as he engaged educators in discussions about coding, digital citizenship, and community involvement.&nbsp; He also led a conference session on building school culture, speaking about the amazing ways he connects with kids and families, creating a school atmosphere that everyone would want to be a part of.&nbsp; Brad's book <strong>Renegade Leadership</strong> is coming out&nbsp;in October from Corwin Press and will certainly be on my wish list.</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><a h="ID=images,5192.1" href="https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=kids+deserve+it&amp;view=detailv2&amp;&amp;id=C5857D3D4C1CCD3C2F2B0C0A09014B1935F6D879&amp;selectedIndex=9&amp;ccid=1LuD%2fFcX&amp;simid=608009890902770029&amp;thid=OIP.Md4bb83fc5717556216aff0acd9f9d1d6o0" id="detail" style="clear: right; float: right; height: 157px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 300px;"><img height="104" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&amp;id=OIP.Md4bb83fc5717556216aff0acd9f9d1d6o0&amp;w=300&amp;h=180&amp;c=0&amp;pid=1.9&amp;rs=0&amp;p=0&amp;r=0" width="200" /></a>Brad's co-presenter on school culture was <strong>Todd Nesloney</strong> @TechNinjaTodd .&nbsp; Todd was a high-energy speaker, quickly sharing dozens of ways he has created a culture on his campus that emphasizes breaking down the walls and connecting with the school community.&nbsp; Todd spoke passionately about his students and the families that he is working with in his Texas school.&nbsp; Todd's book <strong>Kids Deserve It!</strong> with co-author Adam Welcome is also a book I plan to share with my administrative team.&nbsp; </div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;"><a href="https://us.corwin.com/sites/default/files/styles/sage_thumbnail_width_150px/feed/62759_Sinanis_CCESeries_PowerBranding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Power of Branding" border="0" class="sage-thumbnail-width-150px lazy" data-original="/sites/default/files/styles/sage_thumbnail_width_150px/feed/62759_Sinanis_CCESeries_PowerBranding.jpg" height="232" src="https://us.corwin.com/sites/default/files/styles/sage_thumbnail_width_150px/feed/62759_Sinanis_CCESeries_PowerBranding.jpg" style="display: inline-block;" view-mode="full" width="150" /></a>Another dynamic duo that I could listen to all day were <strong>Tony Sinanis</strong> @TonySinanis and <strong>Joe Sanfelippo </strong>@joesanfelippofc .&nbsp; These two friends are inspiring speakers.&nbsp; After just a few minutes, I&nbsp;found myself wanting&nbsp;to go get a job in Fall Creek, Wisconsin and work under Joe's leadership. The presentation included a lot of simple tips of building your school culture, as well as a lot of information from their book&nbsp;<strong>The Power of Branding.</strong>&nbsp; Although, I've already read this one, I'm planning to share it with the principals in my district as we prepare to open for a new school year.&nbsp; Their new book <strong>Hack Leadership</strong> will also be added to my list.</div><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div><div style="border-image: none;">As I head home from the conference, I'm filled with new ideas and inspiration to start the new school year. I am grateful for connecting with so many awesome educators and look forward to continuing that connection on Twitter.&nbsp; Now, I can't wait to get home and add all of these books to my bookshelf!</div><h2 class="ProfileHeaderCard-screenname u-inlineBlock u-dir" dir="ltr" style="border-image: none;">&nbsp; </h2><div style="border-image: none;"><br /></div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-48602282864251726762016-05-02T07:35:00.000-07:002016-05-02T07:38:53.438-07:00Appreciation for one of the BEST<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">As schools across the country celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, they pause to recognize the amazing educators in their buildings; caring adults who connect with their students, design effective instruction, and engage young people in meaningful learning. &nbsp;I'm sure many schools have really good teachers that continually go above and beyond, come in early and stay late, sponsor school activities, and attend student events. &nbsp;In some schools, there's likely that ONE</span><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;teacher who does all of that and then looks for MORE ways to get involved and help children.&nbsp; </span><span style="background-color: white;">It is rare though, when one teacher is named over and over again as the reason why former students come back to visit, one that is referenced by the high school valedictorian as the ONE teacher who made the biggest impact on her education, one that is highly respected by fellow teachers, parents, community members, students, and administrators. &nbsp;I had the privilege of working with a teacher like this for 10 years. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="background: white;">Truly humble, this teacher does not even realize the role model he has been for so many, for so long.&nbsp; The extra effort that he puts toward everything--it's just the way he is.&nbsp; He is positive, thoughtful, dedicated, and genuine.&nbsp;<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;Committed to his calling as a teacher, he has mentored student teachers from local universities as well as teachers new to the profession, always providing guidance and nurturing their professional growth.&nbsp; He is a leader among his fellow teachers, a remarkable educator of 34 years, and was even recognized as a finalist for the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year last year.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="background: white;">In the classroom, he is a natural. &nbsp;Dynamic and personable, he interjects personal stories and uses humor, ensuring student engagement. &nbsp;Always a team player, he leads collaboration among his team mates, coordinating interdisciplinary activities, and school events.<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;He is the first to jump “on board” to any initiative that he believes will improve the education of students, even if it takes him out of his comfort zone.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">This teacher's involvement in the school community is unparalleled.&nbsp; His ongoing sponsorship of after school programs allows him to model community service for young people in the community. &nbsp; He coordinated school fundraisers and taught students to give back-- donating to worthy local and national charities.<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span> He <span style="background: white;">organizes the annual spelling bee, coordinates gift baskets for Breakfast with Santa, and volunteers at the annual students vs. faculty basketball game. (In his "free time", he also volunteers at his church<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;and other community organizations.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">Each year he has reflected on his practice and developed goals for himself, always striving to be a better teacher--even up until this last year.&nbsp; He demonstrates what it means to be an excellent educator in every way. &nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">As he prepares to retire this year, I want him to know what a tremendous impact he has had on me and on so many others. &nbsp;His dedication to teaching and learning is inspiring. &nbsp;I know that retiring will not mean that he will leave education. &nbsp;He has already discussed supervising student teachers, volunteering at a local university science center, and consulting for his school district. &nbsp;Even in retirement, I know he will continue to share his passions with others as an educator and mentor. &nbsp;I wouldn't expect anything less!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">Congratulations on your retirement, Jim. &nbsp;You are truly the BEST!&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULfDiYZEMp4/Vydmaa-CYrI/AAAAAAAAADY/j6roLtARLAUWwwd3zDr__XxARa1-b4yVACLcB/s1600/jim%2Band%2BI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULfDiYZEMp4/Vydmaa-CYrI/AAAAAAAAADY/j6roLtARLAUWwwd3zDr__XxARa1-b4yVACLcB/s1600/jim%2Band%2BI.jpg" /></a></div><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516220280730392582.post-63258747052752755582016-04-13T06:48:00.001-07:002016-04-13T06:50:12.980-07:00Professional Growth in the MakingWhen I think about professional growth, I think of stretching beyond my comfort zone. &nbsp;This stretch means reaching for new knowledge, trying new strategies, and considering new possibilities. &nbsp;As an educator, I'm always looking for ways to learn and grow: staying current with relevant research, reading a lot, and connecting with other educators in the field.<br /><br />With this being my 19th year in education, I've attended a lot of training sessions, workshops, and in-service sessions. &nbsp;I've gone to local, state, and national conferences. While some opportunities for professional development are better than others, I always try to find at least one little nugget to take away and apply to my work. &nbsp;I've engaged in a number of "on the job" growth experiences, as well. As a classroom teacher, I was lucky enough to receive training in instructional coaching at the Annenberg Institute. &nbsp;I piloted reading programs with coaching support from the top educators in reading research from the University of Pittsburgh. My traditional schooling also allowed me to learn and grow. &nbsp;I experienced tremendous growth in technology skills through my Master's Program at Robert Morris University and benefited from the cohort setting during my doctoral studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. <br /><br />All of these experiences have helped me to grow as a professional, but the BEST professional learning opportunity I've ever experienced has been at the MAKESHOP at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.&nbsp;https://pittsburghkids.org/exhibits/makeshop<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zr2lZox4mW4/VwOtsNe04sI/AAAAAAAAADI/0D1Dtsg6OI4ymap8W7aIvMGQcFVkxhQNw/s1600/makeshop%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zr2lZox4mW4/VwOtsNe04sI/AAAAAAAAADI/0D1Dtsg6OI4ymap8W7aIvMGQcFVkxhQNw/s320/makeshop%2Bpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The MAKESHOP is a permanent space in the museum where children and families can tinker with tools and make just about anything. &nbsp;The space includes knowledgeable Teaching Artists who can guide visitors as they mess with sewing, woodworking, circuitry, digital animation, etc. &nbsp;Every August, they offer a week-long MAKER Boot Camp for educators. &nbsp;A few summers ago, I invited some teachers to go and stretch beyond their comfort zones with me. <br /><br />I remember walking into the wood shop, and after a brief safety talk, the Teaching Artist said--OK, go make something. &nbsp;Really? That's it? Where are the directions? &nbsp;I had no idea where to start or what tools to choose. &nbsp;The open-ended nature of the task was daunting and uncomfortable. &nbsp;Soon, the other educators in the room started talking about what they were doing and sharing strategies--collaborating. &nbsp;We cautiously tried some tools and messed with some materials. &nbsp;Some designs worked well, others failed miserably. &nbsp;We persevered and continued on with our creations. &nbsp;In the end, many walked away with an innovative end product, but I walked away with a renewed sense of what it meant to be a learner.<br /><br />At the time, our school was in our second year of housing a STEAM Studio in the building, a dedicated space for hands-on learning. &nbsp;This professional development experience was so valuable, as the teachers and I were able to return to school with a new understanding of what it felt like to be a student in a Making environment. &nbsp;We felt invigorated about infusing creativity into our work and were better equipped to support our students in this new learning pathway.<br /><br />As teachers and school leaders, do we readily step outside our comfort zones and try new things? &nbsp;Or do we remain in the safety of what is known? &nbsp;Do we try things and open ourselves up to potential failure? &nbsp;What does this say about our professional growth?Jacie Maslykhttps://plus.google.com/113719716351711183550noreply@blogger.com1